Gov. Bevin launches 'Message of Hope' campaign as part of ''Don't Let Them Die'' Initiative

Governor Bevin’s office will begin placing painted rocks around Kentucky this afternoon in order to raise awareness for Kentucky's opioid epidemic and the “Don’t Let Them Die” (DLTD) initiative.

Author:
ky.gov , WHAS

Published:
3:13 PM EDT August 7, 2017

Updated:
3:13 PM EDT August 7, 2017

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Governor Bevin’s office will begin placing painted rocks around Kentucky in order to raise awareness for Kentucky's opioid epidemic and the “Don’t Let Them Die” (DLTD) initiative.

In a press release, his office stated, "Though this promotion is intended to be encouraging and fun, it seeks to raise awareness across the Commonwealth about a tragically serious epidemic," said Amanda Stamper, Director of Communications. "Last year, 1,404 Kentuckians died as a result of an opioid overdose. Gov. Bevin is committed to providing the policies and resources necessary to ensure we eradicate this scourge."

When it comes to the painted rocks, it is a form of hide-and-go-seek that has taken off on social media. People paint and decorate a number of rocks and then place them in random places for others to find. Once someone finds the hidden rock(s), they can photograph themselves with it and then post the photo to Facebook, Twitter, etc... Those who find the rocks are encouraged to hide them again for others to find.

The Governor plans to promote the campaign on his social media pages, including his new Instagram account. The rocks will include a brief message of encouragement and the URL DontLetThemDie.com, a website providing information about opioids, treatment options, and the overdose antidote, Naloxone.

Early on, rocks for this campaign were being hidden in the Frankfort, Lexington, and Louisville areas but the Governor’s office hopes to have rocks placed in all 120 Kentucky counties within two weeks.